[Information needs of Moroccan elderly cancer patients].

Background: Announcing cancer to a patient is not a simple task. Usually doctors fail to inform patients about the diagnosis and it is more likely in older people .The need of information in cancerous elderly is not well established. In developed countries, there is evidence that the majority of old patients are demanding exhaustive information about their disease, treatment and prognosis.

Aim: In developing countries where social and cultural issues are different, perception of cancer in elderly is not well studied. Therefore we conducted a prospective study on Moroccan elderly cancerous need of information about their disease.

Methods: This is a prospective descriptive study, Conducted in the National Institute of Oncology of Morocco, cancerous patients older than 70 were included. A questionnaire was given to participants. Demographics, disease characteristics, social, economical and cultural features were recorded.

Results: One hundred and fifty patients responded to the questionnaire. Mean age was 73. 72.7% of patients were diagnosed in advanced stages. Illiteracy was found in 76%. 87.3% of patients did not have health insurance. All patients were Muslim, practicing in 97%. 57% ignored diagnosis. 80% didn't want to know further information about prognosis and treatment side effects. Family protection from information was found in 70%.

Conclusion: Moroccan elderly affected with cancer are less demanding of details about their illness.Illiteracy and cultural background may play a major role, Relatives overprotection is also influencing.